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Photoshop brush by brokenicon Hikaru no Go is a curiously engrossing series. The psychological intensity of the matches, the determination of the players to prove themselves - at times it was too melodramatic, and yet there were many moving moments. Almost every character is humbled in some way during the series, irrespective of their skill. Go is more than a game: it is a test of character and intellect, and a meeting of souls. Much like sex, really. For Sai (left), Go is the sole reason for his existence as a ghost. He plays Go, therefore he is. Through Hikaru, he engages others across the Go board on his quest to achieve the 'hand of God' - the ultimate Go move. He is desperate to play Go, badgering Hikaru constantly with a puppy-like pleading - like Tsuzuki with sweets. Ogata (right) also takes Go seriously. He is an up-and-coming player who wins his first title during the series, but knows he has still much to learn. He first hears about Sai from online Go, and becomes desperate to play him. He also notices Hikaru's ability early on - perhaps, like Sai, he is able to detect potential in others. This interest in young Go players has led to some fans wondering if Ogata's a paedophile! (There is *no* canonical evidence! A sexy deep voice, gorgeous looks and a penchant for tobacco and the colour white doesn't necessarily make him a pervert - but yes, I sense strong Muraki vibes, too.) Unfortunately, these two characters never meet properly. But that's what fanfic is for, right? screencaps These are caps of the key encounters between Ogata and Sai (hosted on Photobucket). Episode 28 + 29: The Wakajishisen (Young Lions tournament) + Kuwabara Honinbou - Ogata watches Hikaru play. Sai is fascinated by Ogata, and wishes he could challenge him to a match. In ep 29, Hikaru makes a bad move that proves to be advantageous later on. Both Sai and Ogata are most impressed. Episode 60: Farewell Hikaru - A drunk Ogata demands to play with Sai. Hikaru tries to fob him off, but Sai wants to play Ogata through Hikaru. He points out that in his drunken state Ogata won't be able to tell Sai's playing style. In Ogata's hotel bedroom, they play. Ogata is defeated. He says that Hikaru played just like Sai, then laughs at himself for being foolish. Embarrassed, Hikaru leaves the room. Sai looks at Ogata for a moment, then follows Hikaru out. fanfic I *had* to write them together. Aris gave me a challenge to help me along. The Spaces Within (25KB) - Ogata took small comfort in knowing no one witnessed his humiliating defeat to Shindou, until he saw the strange man sitting across the empty Go board (set during ep 60 - Ogata/Sai) Links: Blurry Anime HnG eps summary - comprehensive guide to the series - 404! Toriyama's World - background info, lots of great manga/artbook scans Crystal Moon - a great resource for writers about the series and Japanese culture Hikaru no Go World - French site with lots of screencaps and character information Jumpy Boys - yaoi fanfic archive The Crown of Sand - fanfic by Yui Miyamoto. There's a sad and reflective Ogata+Sai one-shot titled "Not Just Yet" delusions - fanfic by Ju best of hikago LJ and menu - HnG fic recs Green Eyes' Fic Pimpage LJ and menu - multifandom fic recs Lyss*Recs Consider the Age - OgataxHikaru fanart (Japanese) Black and White - OgataxAkira fanart (Japanese) Hikaru no Go - Ogata fanart (Japanese) Side: M - OgataxHikaru heavy, some WayaxHikaru (Japanese) Mari's HnG fanart - OgataxAshiwara fanart (Japanese) Fleeting Fancies - anime/manga recs